How to Change VPN Location

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Updated February 10, 2023

Consumer concern over data privacy is at an all-time high. As a result, many turn to the best VPNs to boost security and bypass online restrictions and censorship laws. Getting around such digital roadblocks often requires you to switch server locations. In this article, we’ll explain how to change VPN location, so you can be on your merry way to accessing previously unavailable content.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Changing VPN locations allows users to expand their online activity and access previously blocked content by connecting to a server in a different country.
  • Location changing comes with most VPN services; some offer up to 5,000 servers in over 70 countries.
  • Connecting to an international VPN server is easy and accomplished within minutes.

For those new to virtual private networks, you can check out our primer that explains what a VPN server is.

Insider Tip

You can use “split-tunneling” in certain VPN subscriptions. Split tunneling allows users to connect specific applications to the VPN while excluding others.

How Do I Change My VPN Location

Location changing is critical to understanding how to bypass a VPN block. Connecting to a different server means your IP address now looks like it’s accessing the web from another country. Switching your real location allows you to access online services that are only available in specific countries while adding an extra layer of security.

Altering your virtual location is straightforward and takes only minutes. It can be done from a mobile device or computer in a few simple steps and opens your ability to access content worldwide.

For those looking to mask their online location without paying for a subscription to VPN services, we have an additional resource explaining how to change an IP address without a VPN. Another helpful guide for those who’ve just downloaded a private network is your article that answers the question, “Is my VPN working?”

STEP 1 Choose a VPN Service

Research the various VPN subscription services. Check how many servers each virtual private network offers and how many countries they operate in. If you know what content you’re looking to access–whether streaming services or online games–double-check to ensure the VPN server covers that specific geo-blocked content.

STEP 2 Download the Software

After finding a VPN connection to suit your purposes, download the VPN software or app to your computer or mobile device.

STEP 3 Create Your Account and Login

Once downloaded, log in and find the button allowing you to connect to the VPN router.

STEP 4 Enter Your Settings

Enter your settings dropdown menu and find the option for location services. It will most likely say “VPN Locations.”

STEP 5 Select a Server and Location

Look through the various geographic locations. Select one that you think will allow you to access the desired content.

STEP 6 Test Your Configuration

If the new IP address location still doesn’t allow access to the website, try a different VPN configuration.

Warning

Never connect to a VPN (especially a free VPN) without looking into reviews from experts and users.

STAT: NordVPN offers over 5,500 servers in 60 countries. (source)

How to Change VPN Location FAQs

Does the number of VPN servers matter?

The number of VPN servers will determine how much restricted online content you can access.

Is it illegal to switch your real IP address to a different country?

It depends on the country in which you reside. Using a VPN is not illegal in most countries, so changing your IP address to another country should be fine. That said, it’s wise to keep in mind the laws in some countries where media and internet activity is tightly controlled, such as Russia, Iraq, China, and North Korea, do indeed ban the use of VPNs and do not allow users to change their IP address.

Is the only way to change my location through a VPN?

VPNs are the safest method for protecting internet traffic and disguising virtual locations. But other forms, like proxy servers, also help users switch their IP addresses to different areas.
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